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The plasma membrane is the membrane that surrounds cells and controls what comes in and what goes out of that cell. It is made up of layers of phospholipids whos tails are nonpolar (no charge) and the heads of the Phospholipids are Polar (have a charge). Because of the charges of the phospholipids, some substances can not come into the cell. The reason is their charges are different then the layer and therefore, it repels the substance. However, if the substance has the right charge or is small enough to slip through membrane holes, the substance can get past the Phospholipid bilayer and into the cell. Transport proteins can allow some substances in that would normally not be let in.
Definition

noun

The cell's outer membrane made up of a two layers of phospholipids with embedded proteins. It separates the contents of the cell from its outside environment, and it regulates what enters and exits the cell.

Supplement

In animals the plasma membrane is the outermost covering of the cell whereas in plants, fungi, and somebacteria it is located beneath the [[cell wall].

Word origin: plasma: from Greek, from plassein, to mold.

Synonym: cell membrane, plasmalemma.

See also: fluid mosaic model.

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12y ago
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6mo ago

The plasma membrane is a thin, semi-permeable barrier that surrounds and protects the contents of a cell. It regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell, allowing nutrients to enter and waste to exit. It is made up of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that help with various cellular functions.

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14y ago

the plasma membrane is a vital component of cellular control in both plant and animal cells. Its responsibility is to restrict what can enter or leave the cell. this process is called homeostasis.

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Q: What is the plasma membrane?
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How does nutrients enter a cell?

The plasma membrane.


Another name for plasma membrane?

A cell membrane is also known as a plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane. The cell membrane separates the interior of a cell from its outside environment. The main function of a cell membrane is to protect the cell from its surroundings.


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The cell membrane is also called the plasma membrane.


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do animal have a plasma membrane


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The plasma membrane is a bi-layer, so yes.


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What is the structural model of the plasma membrane called-?

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